Graphite and Watercolor Schoolgirl Portrait: Allie, c. 1873

Four of these I found together, only one of them dated on the back, locating them all I think in 1873. It seems they may each have been done by a different school girl--each with a different name signed to the back, as well as a different subject named on the front. (Perhaps collected by a teacher?) A customer recently noted to me that naive drawings of this sort make her heart beat faster and the same is true for me, just pure joy. And hard to beat the energetic graphite drawn spirals of long hair on this Allie in her ruffled red dress with matching hat, shoes, and earrings! In a small period frame, she would really sing.

5 5/8 x 3 9/16 and in good condition, with one stain line near the bottom, no matter.